The 12 Best Things to Do and See in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina

Enjoy the historical roots of this southern city by paying a visit to the foremost site of the Civil War, Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. Opened as a tourist attraction in 1948, this national park is famous for having sustained the first shots of the war (by cannon fire), making the fortification a must-see for visitors. A guided tour, complete with narrated boat rides and walking sections, is available.

The indoor Charleston City Market stretches the length of nearly two blocks. And if it’s handicrafts you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. Browse the stalls for local artwork, woven baskets, antebellum apparel, candles, jewelry, pottery and more. The market is the perfect place to grab a souvenir and take in the cultural fabric of this charming town.

Stretching 8 acres (3ha) alongside the Cooper River, the Joe Riley Waterfront Park features a 1,250ft (381m) pier over Charleston Harbor. Take a walk along the many pathways and witness the sights of nature – if you’re lucky, you may spot a crane taking flight by the oceanside. Two large fountains are the most decorative features of the park and the spectacular views and sea breeze give you a chance to unwind away from the city bustle.

As a coastal town, Charleston isn’t short of boat tour offerings, whether it’s on Shem Creek, Cooper River or other watercourses. For a historic tour, Charleston Harbor is the best option. If you’re in search of a deep-sea fishing adventure, several boat lines offer that too. And let’s not forget the availability of watersports such as jet-skiing and flyboarding.

This spacious attraction, on Charleston Harbor, featuring jellyfish, horseshoe crabs, loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, sharks, birds and even snakes, will entertain all the family. The Touch Tank allows you to stroke Atlantic stingrays, crabs and other marine animals. Meanwhile, the Saltmarsh Aviary exhibit showcases features of the Charleston environment, allowing you to learn more about the city’s natural surroundings.

The Battery – a paved, public walk lined with many antebellum homes – offers a delight of pastel edifices, picket fences and gates. The scenic promenade features Southern mansions, old cannons and plaques denoting the historical significance. Rich in history, with a spectacular view of Fort Sumter, it is one of downtown Charleston’s most famous attractions.

Folly Beach is one of the area’s best surf spots, with the waves teeming with watersport adventurers. A resilient survivor of hurricanes, it continues to attract crowds daily until the sun goes down. Check out the Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival – think carnival games, a parade and live music by several artists.

For an illuminating tour to learn about those imprisoned by the British during the American Revolution, book a guide in period costume within the Provost Dungeon walls at South Carolina’s most historic building. However, explore the rest of this landmark, too, as the rooms tell the stories of the ratification of the Constitution and the atrocities of the public slave trade. It’s an excellent place for history buffs. Recommended by Frank Lopez.

This impeccably restored home from the early 19th century, with manicured gardens and architectural splendor, demonstrates the wealth of those who benefitted the most from America becoming a republic. The attention to reproducing the details of this era is breathtaking. However, visitors will find out that while the owners lived in opulence, Africans were enslaved on this property. Charleston, as a city and in places like this museum, is coming to terms with how it recounts its past to understand its future. Recommended by Frank Lopez.

Overlooking the Charleston Harbor, the famous Pineapple Fountain at the Charleston Waterfront Park is picture-perfect. This modern landmark, unveiled in 1990, is the perfect spot to watch the sunset after a day of wandering around the historic center. On a sweltering evening, surrounded by palm trees and the peaceful sound of cascading water, you are encouraged to splash around – you will see whole families doing so together. Recommended by Frank Lopez.

Covering African-American history and the local Gullah Geechee culture, Al Miller leads what may be one of the most hilarious yet poignant tours around historic downtown Charleston. He impresses a passionately black perspective on this city and the African-American contribution that built it, recalling the sacrifices made to create the wealth in the region. His storytelling is as illuminating as it is informative. The tour departs daily from outside the Charleston Visitor Center. Recommended by Frank Lopez.

Constructed in 1859, the Old Slave Mart was the last slave auction facility standing in South Carolina, and its remnants house this museum today. There is a lot of information to digest, but it’s the small things – a statistic or an artefact – that will make this place hit home. When it does, it’s impossible to think of Charleston or South Carolina without the horrors of the global slave trade echoing on every street. It’s a powerful experience that you don’t want to miss. Recommended by Frank Lopez.